PIRATES

Kelly Rodney

p i r a t e s a success strategy for taking tests

====This research-based test taking strategy can help students at risk and with disability in preparing, completing, evaluating, and keeping a positive outlook when taking tests, ultimately resulting in improved test performance. ====
 * Purpose: **

= Benefits: = = The Strategy: = P repare to succeed I nspect instruction R ead, remember and reduce A nswer or abandon
 * Improved strategizing and preparation
 * Increased focus and positive attitude toward test taking
 * Reduced test anxiety
 * Put your name and PIRATES on your test paper
 * Prioritize test sections and allot time
 * Say self-affirmations and start within 2 minutes
 * Read instructions carefully
 * Underline or highlight what to do and where to respond
 * Note any special requirements
 * Read the whole question
 * Remember what you studied
 * Reduce your choices
 * ====Answer the question, if you know it ====
 * ====Abandon the question for the moment, if you’re unsure ====


 * T ****urn back **
 * ====Turn back to abandoned questions at the end of the test ====
 * ====Try to earn more points ====


 * E ****stimate **
 * ====Avoid absolutes ====
 * ====<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Choose the longest or most detailed option ====
 * ====<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Eliminate identical choices ====


 * S ****<span style="font-family: 'Century Gothic','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">urvey **
 * ====<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Survey the test to be sure all questions or problems have been answered ====
 * ====<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">Switch answers only if you’re sure they are wrong ====

**<span style="color: #17365d; font-family: 'Century Gothic','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">Recommendations: **

 * Recommended for students reading at a fourth grade level or above.
 * Strategy should be taught over at least four sessions, progressing from pretest assessment to direct instruction to guided instruction to independent practice and generalization.

**<span style="color: #17365d; font-family: 'Century Gothic','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">Assessments: **
Observe student participation in whole group discussions during guided and independent instruction on PIRATES strategy. Check for student understanding and application of the strategy on pretest assessments, controlled and independent practice tests. Monitor student performance on tests going forward. Provide additional support, practice and instruction, if needed.

**<span style="color: #17365d; font-family: 'Century Gothic','sans-serif'; font-size: 18.6667px;">Resources: **
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